Role in assault gets teen 9-year prison sentence

12/13/2003

A Toledo teenager was sentenced yesterday in Lucas County Common Pleas Court for his role in the severe beating last summer of a South Toledo man.

Dwayne A. Smith, 16, of 3378 North Richardson Dr. was sentenced to nine years in prison by Judge Charles Wittenberg.

David Ziss, 49, was assaulted July 15 in the 900 block of Colburn Street. He was knocked to the ground and kicked repeatedly. He is being cared for at a Fostoria nursing home, where he is in a semi-comatose condition.

Under a plea bargain, Smith pleaded guilty to aggravated robbery with the understanding that he could face a more serious charge if Mr. Ziss dies.

Steven J. Colston, 22, of 881 Colburn is charged with robbery and felonious assault for allegedly taking part in the beating. A trial has not been scheduled for Mr. Colston.